Airports have been early digital signage users ever since the technology's introduction. The explanation was very obvious. Considering the hectic schedule and the constant influx of passengers, airport digital signage solutions proved to be a lifesaver. Airports increasingly use digital signs to provide passengers with information in a smart, engaging, and efficient way.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that by 2024, global passenger traffic will reach 4.0 billion, 103 percent more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Because many passengers hurry to catch flights, airports need additional digital displays and a robust implementation plan.
This article will examine the rationale behind the increasing number of airports planning to implement full digital signage systems.
Reasons why airports are rushing to use digital displays
Airports that use digital signage technologies on a large scale stand to gain from increased revenue opportunities and passenger satisfaction benchmarks.
1. Wayfinding
Airports can be quite huge and complicated to traverse for passengers. Because of this, it becomes prudent for airports to invest in digital navigation systems that tell passengers where they are and how to go where they need to go. With way signage, passengers can move from one place to another without getting lost.
Digital navigational signage kiosks, displays showing digital maps, and digital signage emphasizing important airport features like gates and terminals are all examples of airport wayfinding signage.
2. Reduced burden of the screening procedure
Security checks may be scary for some travelers, especially those on their first flight. The primary cause is their misunderstanding of the screening's purpose and process. Digital signage at airports may advise passengers about the safety of the x-ray equipment, the need to remove belts and jewelry, and other aspects of the screening procedure.
3. Emergency communication
Like any other congested public space, airports must always have a failsafe strategy for when the unthinkable happens, such as an active shooter or a natural catastrophe. It can help to include digital signage-driven emergency messages. That's because few things are more useful than having an instantaneous network of displays to disseminate critical information in an emergency. Digital directory signs can display data that can instruct individuals on how to safeguard themselves.
4. Reducing the perceived wait times
Airports are the waiting room of the world. However, providing an entertainment package may make the guests' wait time more bearable. Screens in waiting areas may show music videos, and live TV channels, provide weather and sports updates, and more. Having an interactive information center at an airport is another way to boost tourism in a certain region. You can glean a wealth of information from these centers, including the region's history, top attractions, cuisine, festivals and more.
Passengers who have to wait at an airport would appreciate having access to tiny digital screens with headphones for a fun gaming experience. Smart digital signage systems, including augmented and virtual reality games, are becoming more common at airports.
5. Displaying details regarding timing and luggage
In an airport, passengers and tourists will naturally be interested in flight and luggage details. The airport's entrance and other high-traffic locations should prominently display airline schedules and status updates. In addition, some transit signage provides prominent luggage data. Here, you can find details of when your luggage will arrive at the carousel corresponding with your flight.
6. Boosting internal communications
In addition to the obvious advantages of reaching out to travelers and other outsiders, airport signs can help internal communications run more efficiently.
Many people, such as supervisors, employees, and counter personnel, are involved in making an airport function well. When it comes to management, communication is everything. Therefore, carefully positioned digital signage displays can communicate with hundreds of employees in seconds. It doubles the efficiency of the workforce. For instance, when there is a security threat, it is important to notify employees so everyone knows how to make passengers safe.
7. Improved facilities for people with disabilities
All travelers, including those with disabilities, should be able to use the airport's amenities without any problem. Floor plans, as well as instructions for individual buildings, handicap parking, and designated drop-off areas, may be included. Wheelchair accessibility and one-tap help requests from an airport monitor can make the experience more pleasurable for those with disabilities.
8. Advertising
People's eyes are naturally drawn to screens. Advertising space on noticeable displays is quite expensive at a busy transportation hub like an airport. Airports may generate extra income by renting advertising space on their digital screens to other businesses.
9. Running analytics for productivity on the screen
Airports that have used digital signage technologies have reported increased productivity and improved decision-making due to the data collected. Airports can use signage analytics to learn about the number of people who see a sign, how long they look at it, and what they do afterward.
With these, administrators of dashboards may determine the optimal placement and timing of material, in addition to experimenting with various layouts, fonts and styles. By collecting and analyzing this data, digital signage analytics can help airports improve their facilities.
10. Interpretation of languages
With so many people passing through an airport every second, all signs and announcements should be translated into as many languages as possible. Here are ways through which airports can use translated digital signage:
- Interactive Translation Services: A multilingual interface can greatly enhance communication at airport information desks, where travelers who may not speak the local language can get the help they need for the first time.
- Airports with digital signs in multiple languages for Transportation Security Administration screening include language-specific guidance on what to bring and what not to bring through security, how to be ready for screening, and what to anticipate once you get there. Airports can better serve all passengers, regardless of their cultural background, if they provide this information in multiple languages.
- Strategic multilingual marketing: Due to airports' wide and varied customer base, they provide excellent advertising venues. Brand awareness and consumer reach may be increased via the strategic deployment of multilingual digital billboards. Advertisements, product promotions, and brand messages can all be shown more interestingly and dynamically if available in different languages.
Conclusion
Digital signage has several potential applications in the wide airport setting, from providing passengers with essential information to providing entertainment and aiding in crisis management. The above examples of airport digital signage applications are the tip of the iceberg. The use of digital signage by the industry has increased safety and comfort for passengers at an astounding rate. With reliable Look DS software, it becomes even easier for airports to run their displays.
